Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
